Hyundai crowns its electric lineup with the imposing Ioniq 9, a more-than-five-meter-long SUV aiming to challenge European luxury brands with affordable opulence and impressive range. Here’s our first drive with this South Korean marvel.
Striking Looks Meet Practical Luxury
Launching in the U.S. early next year, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 boldly stands out with its imposing front design featuring Hyundai’s signature pixel pattern and clean, expansive surfaces. Sharing the versatile E-GMP platform with its sibling, the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 establishes a distinct identity. Measuring 5.06 meters in length with a substantial 3.13-meter wheelbase, it combines the roles of a lifestyle vehicle, family transporter, and 4×4 utility.
Buyers can configure the Ioniq 9 with four, five, six, or seven seats, tailoring the rear space for family needs. Front and rear seats are power-adjustable and ventilated, ensuring comfort for passengers of all ages. Thoughtful touches like sliding center consoles, numerous USB ports, a front storage compartment (frunk) offering 52 to 88 liters, and a variable cargo space of 338 to 908 liters under the power tailgate elevate its practicality.
Impressive Cabin and Cutting-Edge Displays
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the generous space and sleek cabin design, dominated by dual, slightly driver-oriented displays. The seats stand out for their comfort, making the Ioniq 9 a solid choice for long road trips. While the plush seating invites relaxation, our initial test drive took us to a closed handling circuit in the Californian wilderness to gauge its driving capabilities.
Handling the Big SUV
At around 2.5 tons, the Ioniq 9 is not built for spirited cornering but surprises with its composed demeanor. It handles tight curves better than expected for its size, though body roll becomes noticeable at higher speeds.
The low-slung 110 kWh battery, nestled in the underfloor, ensures a stable ride and predictable front-axle slip when pushed to its limits. Aerodynamic efficiency plays its part, with a drag coefficient of 0.26 or 0.27, depending on mirror configuration, keeping the cabin quiet even at higher speeds. However, the Ioniq 9’s top speed is capped at 200 km/h.
Comfort Over Sportiness
The steering is light, which aligns with its family-oriented focus but leaves enthusiasts wanting more feedback. On the road, the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration, featuring McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension, proves the superior choice for both everyday driving and tackling less-than-ideal surfaces.
The base rear-wheel-drive model offers a modest 160 kW (218 PS) and 350 Nm, which might feel underwhelming in this segment. For more power and versatility, Hyundai recommends the AWD versions. The mid-range 313 PS variant adds a 70 kW (95 PS) motor at the front, while the range-topping 435 PS model includes a second 160 kW (218 PS) motor. The extra grip and dynamic prowess of AWD are invaluable, especially in adverse weather conditions or when driving gets spirited.
Efficient Power and Quick Charging
While spirited driving quickly eats into its range, the Ioniq 9 boasts a maximum WLTP range of 620 kilometers under ideal conditions. Charging is a breeze, with its 800-volt architecture supporting up to 260 kW. This enables the battery to go from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, making long-distance travel more convenient.
European customers, expected to see the Ioniq 9 in late spring, may even benefit from further enhancements in charging speeds by launch.
Affordable Luxury on the Horizon
Hyundai aims to disrupt the luxury SUV market with an expected starting price of under €60,000 in Europe. Combined with its roomy interior, cutting-edge tech, and family-friendly practicality, the Ioniq 9 has all the makings of a serious contender. Whether you’re tackling winding roads or cruising with the family, this electric SUV delivers a well-rounded experience that’s hard to ignore.
